ISLAMABAD: A subcommittee of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior and Narcotics Control issued a stern warning to some tax officials over the alleged theft of smuggled cigarettes worth Rs250 million from a customs warehouse.
The committee directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to ensure that all concerned officials, including the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman and other tax officers, submit their written responses in connection with the high-profile cigarette theft case.
During the meeting, FIA officials informed the committee that notices had already been issued to the relevant tax officers, the warehouse owner, and the FBR chairman, seeking their replies on the matter.
Senator Talha Mahmood warned that if the summoned individuals fail to appear before the committee by April 2, they should be arrested immediately in accordance with the law. He further remarked that the involved FBR officials, including the chairman if required, should be produced before the committee in handcuffs.
The development comes after growing scrutiny over the reported theft of a large quantity of confiscated cigarettes from FBR-controlled warehouses, raising serious questions about accountability, warehouse security, and the handling of seized smuggled goods.
Lawmakers strongly criticized the repeated absence of senior government officials from important parliamentary proceedings, saying that those occupying top public offices must be held accountable and cannot avoid oversight.
During the session, Senator Talha Mahmood also alleged that a Deputy Commissioner Inland Revenue purchased a house shortly after the cigarette theft incident, a matter that could add a new dimension to the investigation if verified through official records.
The committee also ordered that all available evidence related to the tobacco company allegedly linked to the case, as well as the vehicles reportedly used in the smuggling and theft operation, must be fully documented and presented before the panel.
In addition, lawmakers directed that the owner of the tobacco company be arrested by April 2 if he fails to appear before the committee and explain his position regarding the case.
The Senate panel made it clear that strict action would be taken against any person found obstructing the investigation or withholding relevant evidence.
Meanwhile, FIA Deputy Director Afzal Niazi told the committee that investigators had collected substantial evidence concerning the tobacco company under scrutiny and the vehicles allegedly used in the smuggling network.
The cigarette theft case has now emerged as a major test of institutional accountability for the FBR, customs enforcement, and anti-smuggling authorities, with lawmakers demanding visible action and complete transparency.
